A Canon Telephoto lens is one that the photographer can mount on a Canon digital SLR camera, and it has a focal length that will render an image at a larger magnification than what is normally viewed by the human eye. Think of it as you would a looking glass or a pair of binoculars. The effect is the same.

Carolina Wren - Taken with a Canon EOS Telephoto Lens

Do you know which Canon Telephoto Lens is the #1 seller right now?
Take a peak ==> HERE <==

The Difference Between Telephoto Lenses and Normal Lenses

This brings up a comparison between what is called a normal lens and the telephoto lens. In photography circles, a lens of between 35mm and 50mm is known as “normal”. Lenses larger than 50mm are telephoto.

However, there is one caveat here. There are different sized sensors in digital SLR cameras that create a problem when it comes to naming a normal focal length. There are full frame cameras and there are crop sensor cameras. Full frame models have the largest sensors, and a 35mm lens behaves as a normal 35mm lens would on older film cameras. Crop sensor cameras have a smaller sensor, the result being that images are actually magnified by a factor of 1.6x. So a 35mm lens attached to a crop sensor camera produces images equal in appearance to a 56mm lens on a full frame model.

Therefore, for all intents and purposes, a 50mm lens is the lower limit of telephoto. There is no upper limit, although lenses longer than about 300mm are considered “super telephoto.”

Prime Canon Telephoto Lens Choices

Many of the top Canon photographers prefer to use prime lenses. The reason for using a prime, or single focal length, lens is that the optics are excellent, and it is generally easier to construct a prime lens with wide aperture than it is to build a zoom lens with the same wide aperture.

Here are some examples of highly rated prime Canon Telephoto Lenses:

Canon Telephoto Lenses With Zoom

A this point in the photographic chronological time line, there have been some huge strides made in improved technology, making zoom lenses much more viable for use in creating pictures with outstanding image quality.
Here are a few of the most impressive Canon Telephoto Zoom lenses.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Lens This zoom lens is considered the Canon “Flagship” lens (there are 5 different configurations of this lens). This particular model is the least expensive, and, notice that it is still an “L”, meaning that it is built with the best materials and technology Canon has to offer. The focus speed and image quality are truly amazing. Product Description: Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. This high-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens is distinguished by such features as an f/4 maximum aperture, an inner focusing system, and a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM). The last two features combine to deliver quick and quiet autofocusing–a priority for many amateur and professional photographers. In addition, photographers can attach and use a circular polarizing filter without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing. Compatible with the same tripod collar (sold separately) used with the EF 300mm f/4L USM lens, the lens carries a one-year warranty. See more about the Canon EF 70-200mm Lenses.

Canon 70-200mm f/4 L takes sharp pictures. This brand new titmouse was looking for Mom.

Photographers are a weird bunch, somewhat like golfers or any other hobbyist you can think of. Gear is IMPORTANT! And Canon Fast Glass is right up there with that new camera you have on your list.

Let’s face it, you can take a great photo or portrait with your present equipment, but wouldn’t the results be so much better if you had the perfect lens? “We feel ya, baby!”

Does A Wide Aperture Really Make A Difference?

Here are two examples of the difference between wide apertures and narrow apertures. You can see what a big difference Depth of Field and background blurriness (or clutter) has on an image.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Lens Wide Aperture	Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Lens Narrow Aperture
Birdhouse photo taken with Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens at an Aperture setting of f/1.8. Notice the blurry background.	Birdhouse photo taken with Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens at an aperture setting of f/22. Background is quite “cluttered”.
Flox photo taken with Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens at an Aperture of f/1.8. This one has a very prominent subject without background distractions.	Flox image taken with Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens at an Aperture of f/11. See how the background draws your attention away from the flowers?

Portraits with Canon Fast Glass Extra Wide Aperture

This photo uses a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens for Canon. The setting is f/1.6. Just a street shot with excellent bokeh!

Animals are super subjects for wide aperture lenses and pet portraits. this one was taken with the super cheap Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Another remarkable blurred background by the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens.

This is a look at the line-up of Wide Aperture Prime lenses available for your Canon digital SLR. The lenses listed on this page can be used on all models whether full-frame or crop frame. The list is not exhaustive, but it is fairly comprehensive with regard especially to portrait photography. The lenses listed here have plenty of user satisfaction behind them, or they would not be on the list.

The way the list is compiled begins with the lowest focal length and cheapest price, moving to the longest focal length. Notice that not all listings are from Canon, but they are all quality choices.

Canon Fast Glass – Wide Aperture Canon Lenses for the Discerning Photographer

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 camera lens has been referred to as the “thrifty fifty” and a few other names to indicate that it is good and CHEAP. It is definitely Canon Fast Glass, and it will give you plenty of great photos with that Depth of Field that will make you look like a pro. Of course, to keep the price down, it is made of plastic and it feels a bit like a toy, but don’t let the look and feel of it deceive you. See more about the Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
Results in terms of image quality are similar to the Canon 50mm f/1.8, however, the build quality is so much better. The more professional “feel” of the f/1.4 will be quite obvious to you if you do a side-by-side comparison. Also, the added f-stop makes a difference in bokeh, which is really important in fast lenses. See more about the Canon 50mm f/1.4
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2mm
The high-performance, weather-resistant Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series lens. If you want the very best that money can buy in a 50mm lens, this one’s for you!
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
If a prime lens is what you want (many pros use only prime for portraits), this one is well worth your consideration. Super wide aperture and fast focus so you can keep your camera off the tripod giving you more flexibility. Comment from FredMiranda.com – “Best bang for buck. With this performance, how can you justify 85mm L which is 5 times the cost of this, just for F1.2 and red ring?” More about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L camera lens is top of the line – truly the choice of many professionals. Notice the f/1.2 aperture. When you put this lens on your Canon DLSR, your attitude will change, you will walk with a swagger in your step, and you will feel like a pro. The price tag reflects the quality, too.
Sigma 85mm f/1.4mm
The Sigma 85 f/1.4 delivers the goods in terms of quality and build. Hand-held low light shots are beautifully rendered with bokeh that is practically unparalleled. In fact, many photographers claim this lens is as good or better than Canon’s own 85mm f/1.2L. Now that’s quite a claim considering the price of the Sigma is about half that of the Canon lens. See a full review of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Canon.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 is does not get as much press as some of the other lenses in this line-up, but you can get fast glass at a bargain price here. The lens is compact and light, and it is ideal for portraits and low-light work when a mid-range telephoto lens is called for. It provides that little bit extra of telephoto power as compared to Canon’s 85mm f/1.8 USM lens which is sometimes necessary outdoors or for candid shooting.
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
If you are looking for the best “dedicated” portrait lens, this is the one for you. Nice big aperture in a Canon L lens. The results are indisputably awesome. More about the Canon 135mm f/2

There are quite a few super telephoto zoom lenses to choose from, but the Sigma 120-400mm has some characteristics that make it very attractive for Canon shooters.

What Makes The Sigma 120-400mm Lens Special

• Telephoto length – 400mm on the long end gets you right in close to even the most skittish of subjects. Consider using the Sigma 120-400 on a Canon APS-C camera.. the equivalent focal length then becomes 192-640mm.
• HSM – Hyper-sonic motor gives very fast focus. This is something you want when your subject does not tend to cooperate by staying in place for long periods of time.
• OS – Optical Stabilization – This is the equivalent of Canon’s IS. It adds about 4 stops to your shutter speed, thus allowing hand-held shots in lower-light situations.
• Price – There are very few lenses at this level of magnification and this aperture for less than $1000.. Great for budget conscious photographers.

	Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM	Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM
Compatible SLRs	Can be used on the entire Canon range	Can be used on the entire Canon range
Effective Focal Length for APS-C Sensors	160-640mm	192-640mm
Max Magnification Factor	0.20x	0.24x
Minimum Focus	1.8m	1.5m
Autofocus Motor Type	Ultra-Sonic	Hyper-Sonic
Filter Size	77mm	77mm
Supplied Accessories	Lens hood and soft carrying case	Lens hood and soft carrying case
Dimensions (Diameter x Length)	92 x 189mm	92 x 203mm
Weight	1.38kg (3 lbs)	1.64kg (3.9 lbs)
Price	$1650.00	$999.00

See larger image Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) List Price: $999.00 USD New From: $949.00 In Stock Used from: $720.00 In Stock Release date May 13, 2008.

Focal Length measures the amount of magnification of a camera lens. Different lenses have different uses. Sometimes you want to zoom in, or get closer to the subject. Other times you want to take in lots of “real estate”.

Focal lengths are separated into three different categories.

• Wide-angle focal lengths – wide angle includes lenses that are less than 35mm in focal length. This type of lens is excellent for taking pictures of landscapes and wide panoramas, such as the Grand Canyon and other beautiful vistas. They are also good for taking pictures inside when you can’t back up to get everything into your photo, such as a real estate shot of a bedroom or a large exhibit at the museum. The smaller the number, the wider the area of view in the lens. So, a 12mm lens will be able to get much more of the area than a 24mm lens, even though both are considered “wide-angle” lenses.
  

  A wide-angle lens was needed for this barn scene.

• Normal focal lengths – normal includes lenses from 35mm to 60mm. With a normal focal length, the picture will look similar to what you see as you stand looking at the area you will photograph.
  

  This cemetary bench was taken with a normal focal length of about 50mm.

• Telephoto focal lengths – Focal lengths of 75mm and above are considered telephoto. They are meant to get a closer view of the subject.
  

  Telephoto zoom lens was used on this black swallowtail

Multiple Focal Length Lenses (Zoom Lenses)

Zoom lenses have more than one focal length in the same lens. This allows you the flexibility to either magnify the subject by using a larger focal length or shrink your subject by using a smaller focal length. Many zoom lenses include all three categories mentioned above, wide-angle, normal, and telephoto focal lengths.

Single Focal Length Lenses (Prime Lenses)

Prime lenses have only one focal length. The focal length of a prime lens can be wide-angle, normal, or telephoto. Many professionals insist on using only prime lenses for their work, while others use prime and zoom lenses. If you know what you will be shooting beforehand, you can get very good pictures using prime lenses.

Telephoto and Wide-Angle Attributes

Many photographers use telephoto lenses simply to get a closer shot and wide-angle lenses to get more into the picture. However, there are other aspects of focal lengths that you need to know. Camera lenses do not have the same capabilities that the human eye has. They tend to either change the perspective or distort the image at different focal lengths when the camera is moved either toward the subject or away from the subject.

Telephoto lenses are used often for portraits. The telephoto lens does a nice job of isolating the subject and making the background seem to demand less of your visual interest. Because you must back away from the subject when using a telephoto lens, the objects in the background seem to appear bigger, and you capture less of the background, thus making your subject command more attention. On the other hand, if you use a wide-angle lens for a portrait, the background is compressed and looks busier. In addition, you must move closer to the subject when using a wide-angle lens, and parts of the subject tend to be distorted. For instance, the ears may look out of proportion.

Using a wide-angle lens has other considerations, as well. These lenses tend to show more vignetting and barrel distortion, especially when using super wide-angle lenses. If you employ a filter on really sunny days to cut down on the glare, the tendency for vignetting is even stronger. This can be corrected if you are shooting with a zoom lens by zooming in just a bit.

Amazon Customer Rating - 4.7 Stars

When attached to a Canon digital SLR with an APS-C sensor, it is equivalent to 160mm-680mm, so it is plenty long for those bird photos or at the zoo when the fence keeps you away from the animals. Add to that the excellent compatibility with a Canon 1.4 or 2.0 Extender and the focal length goes even higher.

Aperture is f/4.5-5.6 which means that it will not be the fastest lens in low light situations, but users have accepted that and adapted to it. The IS (image stabilization) does compensate for that somewhat, but the main advantage of IS is being able to handhold the camera in normal shooting situations and not needing to rely on a tripod.

This is an L-series lens which is Canon’s very best series. Materials and workmanship in the Canon 100-400mm lens is top-notch, as it is with all L-series lenses. Amazon Customer Rating for the Canon 100-400mm lens is 4.7 Stars.

Here is the techy stuff:

• Focal length: 100-400mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:4.5-5.6
• Lens construction: 17 elements in 14 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 24 to 6 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 5.9 feet
• Zoom system: Linear extension type
• Filter size: 77mm
• Dimensions: 3.6 inches in diameter, 7.4 inches long
• Weight: 3.1 pounds

If you are not familiar with a push-pull type zoom lens, it will take about 2 minutes to get used to. This is the normal statement from new users. They were mostly apprehensive about this type of zoom lens, but they quickly got accustomed to it and never had a problem with it.

One user comment at Amazon starts off like this: “First, I just want to say… I waited most of my life to get to the point where I could take professional quality pictures. Now that I am there, it is indeed everything I wanted it to be. I’m loving this. ”

This is really quite typical. In spite of all the praise (you can see from the graphic at the top of the page that most ratings are either 5 or 4 stars), nearly all users mentioned the size and bulk of the Canon 100-400mm lens. It is obviously impressive.

Sample Images Taken with the Canon 100-400mm lens:

Honey Creeper taken with Canon 100-400mm lens

Tiger at the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona with a Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 100-400 IS L Zoom Lens.

Keep your eye on the ball. Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans. This is uncropped, taken from my seat in the stands with the 100-400 IS zoom on sports setting.

The Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG HSM Lens, is exciting for two reasons:

• Wide Aperture for a reasonable price
• Bokeh

And now, after a long wait, the alternative to the Canon EOS 85mm f/1.2 actually became available in November.

The Sigma 85 turns out to be a wonderful alternative to Canon’s own 85mm f1.2 because the price is almost $1000 less than the Canon model.

Right up front, I will admit that if you are a Canon shooter, and money is not an issue, go ahead and get the f1.2 version.

However, if you are not yet decided, by all means check out this comparison, because this new lens has gotten the attention of some “pixel peeping” experts in terms of its excellent performance.

Bokeh with Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is amazing

Bokeh

I was personally interested in the release because of the perfect focal length and aperture for portrait photography. At f1.4, you will get superior Bokeh, as good as the more expensive lenses. And this is the goal of portrait photographers. It turns out the the Sigma really delivers Bokeh, so much so, that when I first viewed the images from my Canon 30D, I was literally shocked at the background creaminess and the image color. In the absence of a human model, I took a photo of my dog, Colby, sitting on my office chair.

As you can see, the background is nicely blurred, and, although it looks better in full resolution, you can see the nice color and contrast. This is without any post processing or enhancement of any kind. Taken at f/1.4, there is a very shallow depth of field, as you would expect. I was about 4 feet away from Colby for this shot, so even parts of his head are out of focus due to the wide aperture.

Wide Aperture

Aside from portraits, there are two other aspects of a really fast medium telephoto lens.

Low light images are the specialty of a wide aperture lens, because you can take pictures in areas that are impossible with other lenses hand-held.

The first is indoor sports. The wide open aperture will get you some extremely fast shutter speeds in low light at events like basketball (my personal favorite). I have used my Canon 70-200 f4.0 lens with mediocre results. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 with its HSM (hypersonic motor) is “the cat’s meow” in this type of light and action.

The second place this lens really shines is when using the video function on your digital SLR. The prime lens has such good image quality that it makes video look absolutely amazing. Again, the bokeh in your video (if taken at the wide open aperture) will look smooth and professional.

Tests against Canon and Nikon have placed the Sigma lens at equal or just below equal in image quality. And Sigma has been working hard to gain the trust of the expert photographic community.

This handsome lens deserves your attention.

Go to http://www.sigma85mm.com for more about the Sigma 85mm f1.4 medium telephoto lens. You will like what you see… guaranteed.

See larger image Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Large Aperture Medium Telephoto Prime Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) List Price: $969.00 USD New From: $894.00 In Stock Used from: $786.11 In Stock

Lens Features for Canon Lenses

When you look at the names of lenses, you find weird combinations of letters and numbers that are not normally part of the English language unless you are part of the photographic community. Here are the letters you may come across and the meanings for those letters.

F-stop – Aperture. This is the size of the opening of the camera lens when a photo is snapped. Usually given as a number with a decimal, such as f2.8. The lower the number, the wider the aperture. So a lens with an aperture of f2.8 will have a wider opening than a lens with an aperture of f4.0. The F-stop is always given as the widest possible aperture for that particular lens.

L - Contains Aspherical Elements. A premium line of optical glass suited for demanding professional photographers and artistic purposes

IS – Image Stabilization. A gyroscopic stabilizer built into the lens which compensates for camera shake in order to achieve sharp photos. With IS it is possible to take good quality shots with 2-4 stops slower shutter speeds than possible without IS.

USM – Ultrasonic Motor. Lenses with the USM designation feature faster and quieter focusing operations.

EF - Electro-focus. Through a series of electronic contacts, the control of lens focusing is provided by the camera body.

EFS – Electro-focus (Short). A slightly different EF mount that is compatible with digital slr cameras that employ a “crop sensor”, also designated as APS-C sensors.  Cameras that qualify for EFS lens mounts are: Canon Digital Rebel, XT, XTi, XS, XSi, T1i, T2i, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, and 7D.

DO – An alternative approach to lens formulation that yields compact telephoto lenses and decreased chromatic and spherical aberrations.

Macro - Macro is a special lens that has been specifically formulated to get up close to objects to give higher magnification and focus at very close distances.

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The Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens is a very practical portrait lens. It is a medium telephoto lens with excellent build, not so massive as to make it cumbersome after long periods of shooting and carrying. The Canon EF 85mm lens produces sharp and clear images at all apertures. It has been designed to give very nice bokeh (or background blur), while at the same time bringing the portrait subject into crisp view.

Techy Stuff:

• Focal length: 85mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:1.8
• Lens construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 28 degrees (at 30 feet)
• Focus adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 2.8 feet
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 3 inches in diameter, 2.8 inches long
• Weight: 15 ounces

Order a Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens from Amazon.com

Some observations from happy Canon EF 85mm buyers:

“Bar none, the best “portrait” lens I own. There’s just something about this 85mm focal length + f/1.8 that brings out detail….faces have so much dimension with this lens, they look 3 dimensional.”

“I love this lens. I love how dramatic my pictures come out in their natural settings. The bokeh adds so much more emotion to each photo. And since you can shoot with such a wide open aperture, you’ll catch the moments when they happen without it blurring away from a too-slow shutter speed or a bright flash of blinding light!”

“I can’t state this enough, if you are concerned about the financial implications of purchasing L series glass, you can NOT lose by picking this lens up. It retains it’s resale value very well.”

“There’s allot to be said for a non “L” lens which consistently winds up on my camera when I own several “L”s which cover the mm of this lens. To me, its an L: built like an L, color and saturation comparable to an L It’s my “L” lens that doesn’t have a red stripe.”

Here are a few sample images to show the versatility of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens

Canon portrait lens does very well in low light

Portrait of a cat with Canon 85mm f/1.8

Contrasting light is handled well with the Canon 85mm lens

You have to be fast with babies - the 85mm f/1.8 is up to the task

Photographers (yours truly included) love the 50mm lens for Canon lineup

There are four (4) lenses that fall into the “50mm Lens for Canon” group that are actually made by Canon, and then there are the third party 50mm lenses as well.

The Canon 50mm lens has had a long history, as it was at one time considered the “benchmark” lens in the SLR stable of lenses. The engineers got this one “right” so that all other lenses would be judged in relation to this one.

Now that we are in the digital age, and so many more people are buying cameras and lenses, there has been a strong push to diversify the lens technology. Movement toward zoom lenses with wider and wider ranges has become very popular with consumers. Even so, there are many who still lean toward single focal length, or prime, lenses as the ultimate equipment of professionals. Thus, the Canon 50mm lens remains extremely strong in the buyers’ market.

The Canon technology for single focal length lenses has remained constantly excellent. So, getting a 50mm lens is still a great choice. And 50mm lenses offer such a wide variety of usage, including regular family snapshots, street photography, landscapes. portraits, and even macro photos.

Here is the Canon 50mm Lens lineup:

“The Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II may be one of the cheapest lenses currently on the market, but its optics belie its lowly price. As befits a classic standard prime lens, it’s very sharp when stopped down (especially in the centre), shows minimal chromatic aberration, and has relatively low distortion; APS-C users will also benefit from extremely low vignetting. In most regards it comes very close indeed to its much more expensive bigger brother, the EF 50mm F1.4 USM…”

Here is the “Techy stuff”

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:1.8
• Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 46 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Overall linear extension system with Micromotor
• Closest focusing distance: 1.5 feet
• Filter size: 52mm
• Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter, 1.6 inches long
• Weight: 4.6 ounces

Lizzy - taken with Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens

The “Techy Stuff:”

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: f/1.4
• Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
• Angle of view: 46 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Overall linear extension system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 1.5 feet
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 2 inches long
• Weight: 10.2 ounces

More “Techy Stuff”

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: f/1.2
• Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 46 degrees (with full-frame cameras)
• Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual
• Closest focusing distance: 1.48 feet
• Filter size: 72mm
• Dimensions: 3.4 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches long
• Weight: 19.2 ounces

One advantage of this lens over the others is that there is the ability to focus at about half the distance, which gives it the macro rating. The down side is the much smaller aperture at f/2.5. However, f/2.5 is still a very fast lens. And the price isn’t too shabby either, considering you get all the perks of an excellent Canon 50mm lens.

The “Techy Stuff”

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.5
• Lens construction: 9 elements in 8 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 46 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Front group linear extension system with AFD
• Closest focusing distance: 0.8 feet
• Filter size: 52mm
• Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches long
• Weight: 9.9 ounces

The Canon 60mm Macro is much more popular than this 50mm macro, so you might want to check the Canon Macro lenses on this site. The reason the 60mm gets more attention is because it can give you 1:1 macro shots, whereas the 50mm macro renders 0.5:1 ratio shots.

Many argue that this is one of Canon’s best lenses, price not withstanding. It is very sharp and fast. Resulting images are high quality with a high contrast that is very desirable. Typical build quality that photographers have come to expect in the “L” series lenses. Add the USM speedy focus system, and you have a lens that is hard to beat.

What is the Canon EF 135mm f/2 L good for?

It is a great portrait lens (see the Canon Portrait Lens lineup) because of the sharp focus and beautiful bokeh, but it can also be used for some sports when a quick focus and fast shutter speed are essential.

It can be used on ALL Canon mounts, including APS-C, APS-H, and full-frame models.

It rates a 10 in almost everyone’s book, and it is priced right at about $1000.

The Techy Stuff:

• EF mount; telephoto lens
• Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing ring
• 135mm focal length f/2 maximum aperture Ring USM motor
• Comes with Leather bag & lens hood
• Lens Type: Telephoto lens
• Mounting Type: Canon EF
• Minimum focal length: 135 millimeters
• Maximum focal length: 135 millimeters
• Minimum Focal Range: 35.4 inches
• Maximum Aperture Range: F/2.0
• Camera Magnify Power: 0.19
• Lens System Special Functions: Tele
• Focus Type: auto-focus, manual-focus
• Real Angle Of View: 18
• Weight: 26.5 Ounces
• Item Display Diameter: 3.3 inches
• Length: 4 inches

5 out of 5 Stars !!!!

By Wayne Rasku

If you own a Canon Digital Rebel or one of the Canon xxD digital SLR Cameras, the 18-200mm Canon Lens deserves a look from you.

Its official name is Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS telephoto lens. Quite a moniker, huh? The EF-S designation means that It is specifically for what are known as “crop sensor” cameras. Also labeled as APS-C sensors. So, if you are shooting with a Canon 7D or one of the full frame models, the 18-200mm Canon lens will not even mount to your camera.

Benefits of Owning a Super-Zoom Lens

The obvious main benefit of owning one of these Super-Zoom lenses is that it can stay on your digital SLR almost constantly. This is an excellent advantage for travel and vacations when you don’t want to lug a camera bag or heavy backpack all over the countryside.

It is also great for getting quick shots. You do not have to stop and affix just the right lens to your camera body. Many times the shot is gone by the time you finish setting up to take it.

In fact, having to change lenses is one of the blessings AND the curses of digital SLR owners. We actually buy the cameras so we can change the lens, then we are frustrated when we have to.

Continuing with the benefits, this lens has a few more worth mention.

First, as mentioned is the focal range, which is 11x. Considering the monumental variation in range, the image quality is exceptional.

Also, there is IS (image stabilization) which is supposed to give you an additional 4-stops of aperture without having to use a tripod. This is important because the widest aperture is only f/3.5, and it increases from there to a max of f/5.6. This is typical of the super-zoom lenses, whether Canon or some other manufacturer.

One more benefit is the bokeh that is produced when using a wide aperture. Photographers are always comparing bokeh. Briefly, it is when you try to get the main subject of your photo in sharp focus and have the other areas of the photo in a pleasingly blurred focus. The 18-200 does a pretty good job with this, but it is not considered the best.

The last benefit has to do with a comparison to the “kit lenses” that Canon promotes. Sometimes new buyers purchase the 18-55mm starter lens and an additional 55-250mm lens for the mid-range focal lengths. These two lenses are not bad as far as image quality goes, but they are not high quality construction.

The Canon 18-200mm lens is far better constructed than the kit lenses.

The Down Side

You will find this true of most super-zooms, whether they are Canon, Nikon, Sigma, or Tamron lenses. There is a compromise in image quality in order to get the wide focal range. Most will have barrel distortion at the wide angles and chromatic aberration issues at both the shortest and the longest focal lengths.

This is not to say that the images are bad – the lens produces really good images. The problem areas are quite minimal, and you might not even notice them without someone pointing them out to you. But if you are looking for the pixel-perfect image, you will either need to pay more money or use a more specific focal length lens.

Finally, consider a Canon look-alike.

Third party manufacturers have produced some really good lenses that fit Canon digital SLR cameras. If the benefits and problem areas are identical, why not consider saving some money for one of those? It’s a thought.

As you look at the 18-200mm Canon lens, you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it really does perform.

But do take a look at the other lenses in the same category. You can do that at Canon EOS Lenses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku

Originally published at EzineArticles.com: http://EzineArticles.com/?The-18-200mm-Canon-Lens-Does-it-All&id=4865823

See more about Canon Zoom Lenses here.

Sigma Macro 105mm for Canon

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Optimized for Canon digital SLR cameras but also compatible with film SLR cameras, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 medium telephoto lens allows a greater working distance between the lens and the subject, helping it excel in all shooting ranges. The increased working distance of the lens is ideal when taking the picture of a flower among several branches, or an insect on a leaf. The narrow angle of view helps simplify the background, while the shallow depth of field makes it easier to handle the composition.

Creeping Flox
Sigma 105mm macro lens on Canon DSLR digial4047 photostream on Flickr

Canon Macro lenses come in several flavors, including Canon, Sigma, and Tamron. If you have not tried a Sigma lens on your Canon Digital SLR, this may be the one to get started with.

In addition to the great macro shots of insects and flowers, there are those who use this lens for some very specific applications, such as taking photos of dental work to document the dental repair process, dermatologists for the same reason, product shots of watches and jewelery, and many other work-related tasks that require accurate photos.

Here are a few of the comments from satisfied users:

The Techy Stuff:

• Focal length: 105mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 10 groups
• Angle of view: 23.3 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 8
• Minimum aperture: f/45
• Minimum focusing distance: 12.3 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:1
• Filter size: 58mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Canon
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.8 inches long
• Weight: 16.1 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Why consider this lens rather than a Canon 100mm Macro?

Main reason is economic – the Sigma costs less, but when you add in the fact that the Sigma 105mm Macro comes with a lens hood, that makes the price difference even more significant. All in all, the Sigma offers great image quality.

Negatives?

The main objection is the auto focus of the Sigma 105 Macro. There is no HSM (Sigma’s answer to Canon’s USM focus motor), and the lens tends to “search” for focus. It is quite slow in some (not all) focusing situations compared to the Canon 100mm macro.

Sample Photos with Sigma 105mm Macro for Canon (click on any image to view at full size)

Lizard macro with Sigma 105mm macro lens

Very Hairy Caterpillar - Taken with Sigma 105mm Macro	Cone Flower - Sigma 105mm Macro lens takes great flower images
This yellow rose hosted a green spider - perfect color contrast for the Sigma 105mm macro lens	Sigma 105mm macro has a focal length that is favored by professional photographers for portraits as shown here

This lens is for real!

For those who are looking at third party lenses, this Tamron 90mm Macro Review is for you. Tamron makes some very highly rated lenses for Canon EOS cameras, and you will not find more user satisfaction with ANY Tamron lens. (For more Macro Canon EOS Lenses, look here)

Just take a look at the comments from buyers on B&H Photo online. Of 33 reviews, all except 3 are 5′s, and those other 3 are 4′s. Interestingly, only one of the 3 who did not give the lens a 5 gave a reason for not giving it the highest rating. One user even said the Tamron 90mm macro was now his favorite lens, yet he gave it a 4???

How can you argue with this kind of result? See more photos taken with a Tamron 90mm macro lens.

Technical Stuff:

Filter Size – 55mm
f/stop range -2.8-32
Minimum focus distance – 11.4″ (29 cm)
Magnification – 1:1
Angle of View – 27 Degrees
Groups/Elements – 9/10
Length – 3.8″ (97mm)
Maximum Diameter – 2.8″ (71mm)
Weight – 14.3 oz (405 g)

Random Thoughts About the Benefits of Tamron’s 90mm Macro for Canon:

• Macro shots with 1:1 ratio. Get super close-up images of bugs, flowers, or anything else that looks interesting.
• Great for details of products. Need to document product details at work, this lens will perform that task admirably.
• Thinking about Portraits? Macro lenses are excellent because of the way they render a nice bokeh background. This lens, in particular, creates very nice pastel shapes with some backgrounds.
• Easy manual focus. Many photographers (most pros) do not depend on auto focus for macro shots.
• Lighter than other lenses in this focal length. Of course some consider a plastic body a “con” for a lens, but it is much lighter than its competitors. And, hey, who is going to use their lens to drive tent stakes into the ground?
• Image quality. The measurement of a good macro lens is the sharpness of images, and this lens delivers.
• Price. For the features and quality at this focal length, you will not find a better buy.

Cons:

• Already mentioned is that the lens is made of plastic. It is not weatherproof as some other higher priced models.
• The auto focus is a bit slow, especially compared to the Canon 100mm macro.

Tamron 90mm Macro Review Conclusion

Overall, this is an excellent choice for photo enthusiasts and professionals for your macro needs.

Canon 60mm Macro

Canon Macro Lenses come in a wide variety of sizes and focal lengths.

The Canon Macro 60mm lens is one of those sleeper lenses that some do not consider “good enough” for professional shots. None the less, it gives wonderful image quality in both macro work and portrait photography. It provides a focal length that is equal to a 96mm lens on a 35mm camera.

Since it is an EF-S lens, it is suitable for all the Rebel digital SLRs , 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, and now the 60D camera line. It also will fit the Canon 7D. However, it will not fit on the professional grade “full frame” cameras such as the Canon 5D.

The Canon 60mm macro has a floating optical system that can focus down to life-size 1:1 magnification. The interior focusing mechanism is driven by a powerful ring-type ultra-sonic motor (USM). This means that the lens’s overall length never changes during focus.

This lens is great for several purposes in addition to macro. It doubles as a super portrait lens as well as an available-light lens, meaning it does very well in low light situations.

Technical Stuff:

Some Sample Shots from the Amazon Gallery (click on the image for the full preview)

Frog in woods. Taken with Canon Rebel XT and 60mm

Closeup of an eye - Shot with a Canon 60mm Macro

Canon Macro 100mm Lens

Prospective Canon Macro lens buyers have a number of really great lenses to choose from. If you are one of those buyers, this special Canon 100mm Macro Lens Review is just for you.

If you have ever taken a really great macro photograph, you know the joy of viewing your images after snapping them. You start looking for tiny objects to set your camera sights on.

The joy often comes when viewing your images and finding little “treasures” hidden that you never noticed until they were viewed on the screen. You can actually see the object much better than if you are looking closely without a camera.

There are actually two lenses that bear the Canon 100mm macro prime designation, prime being a single focal length. Both of the Canon choices are rated as high as any lenses, macro or otherwise, on both Amazon and B & H Photo reviews by actual users. This is a great way to find out if those who are in the trenches, using the products, think it is worth laying down their hard-earned cash. In this case, both Canon 100mm macro lenses get “thumbs up” from nearly every person who has taken the time to leave an opinion.

First is the Canon EF 100mm Macro USM Lens.

Technical Details:

• 100mm macro USM lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
• Secondary diaphragm blocks stray light at f/2.8 for increased contrast
• Ultra-sonic monitor provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all distances
• 3-group floating system for exceptional close-up performance; full-time manual focus
• Measures 3.1 inches in diameter and 4.7 inches long; weighs 21.1 ounces; 1-year warranty

Engineers have gotten the technology on this lens right.

Here are some of the features that make this lens a fantastic choice for Macro Photography:

• Full, life-sized images that are sharp and crisp
• USM (ultra sonic motor) aids in super fast focusing
• f/2.8 wide aperture for maximum shutter speed and excellent bokeh (bokeh is the blurry background that cause the main subject to stand out)
• IS (image stabilization) so that you can hand hold your camera when taking shots with slower shutter speeds in low light.
• Canon Macro 100mm lens multitasks as an excellent medium telephoto lens, especially for portraits.
• Can be used on ALL Canon EOS cameras including full frame and crop frame sensors

With this lens as a an excellent starting point, an additional upgraded version of the Canon 100mm lens has recently been added to its lineup. The new lens has all the benefits of the original plus some added quality. In fact, it is an “L” lens, Canon’s designation for their finest quality lenses. The added glass quality and materials for building the lens boost the price about 40%, but just having an L lens in the bag is the best thing that can happen to a Canon owner.

Here are the technical details of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM

• 100mm lens with f2.8 aperture
• Canon’s first mid-telephoto macro “L” series lens to include Canon’s sophisticated Image Stabilization
• Near-silent Ultrasonic focusing
• Focus as close as 12″ from subject
• Enjoy life-size close-up capabilities without an adapter
• Compatible with 67mm filters

There is a segment of photographers who think that using prime lenses is the only way to get the best shots. Not many would argue that prime lenses offer better quality than a lot of the zoom lenses. And the Canon 100mm macro definitely fits the bill for prime with top quality output.

Sample 100mm photos (click on an image to see a larger picture)

Dragonfly 100mm Macro

Magnolia 100mm Macro

Amaryllus Macro 100mm

Of course, you can get your Canon Macro 100mm Lens at Amazon for an excellent price.

The comments from users at Amazon will definitely convince you that either of these Canon 100mm macro lenses are a fantastic buy. Here are just a couple of recent user reviews. The first one is for the Canon 100mm Macro lens with IS.

I bought this (Canon 100mm macro) lens over the weekend in order to do a shoot with my kids in La Jolla, and all I have to say is it is simply amazing. I am new to photography, but have always appreciated macro and portrait photos. I was torn between this lens and the 70-200 f/2.8L and am very pleased with this choice. Even a novice like me can get extremely detailed and breathtaking shots. I use the consumer Canon Rebel T3i and am so pleased that since buying this lens, I can think of nothing but taking more pictures!

The second comment is about the less expensive, original Canon 100mm Macro.

(This Canon 100mm macro lens) deserves the red ring on its front end. The optical quality of this lens is on par or even better than some of the Canon L Zooms. The build quality while not like a L lens, it is enough to put a permanent dent in your head if you bang yourself with it.

And then there is Macro too! This is where I think this lens is just insanely phenomenal. Of course if you are new to macro photography, you will get so sick of the autofocus hunting. But you will learn to live with it. However I am told that the competition is worse..way worse.

Prepare to be blown away when you use it. One more thing though, this lens is quite heavy. I mean with my 30D the package weighs quite enough to ache your hand after a while. If you are used to L lenses, piece of cake. But if you are graduating from kit lens (my case), it does take some time to adjust to the weight.

And don’t even bother taking macro shots without tripod..you will seriously force the lens to under-perform.

A certain must have in your camera bag!!!

Find More User Comments Here!

Black Swallowtail - taken with Sigma 105 for Canon Macro Lens

For some photographers, macro photography rocks. This is true of yours truly. It was the macro setting on my first digital point and shoot camera that gave me my first “aha” moment.

When shooting with a Canon digital SLR camera, the results will be so much different if you have a good Canon Macro Lens, either produced by Canon or one of the manufacturers that create lenses for Canon.

There are many lenses that have the word “macro” in their title or description, however, you need to be careful about selecting your macro lens. That is not to say that you have to spend lots of money, you just have to get the best quality for your money. Some of the lenses that have the word Macro in the name of the lens are not true closeup lenses. You will discover that this occurs with some of the third party zoom lenses more than it does with the Canon brand lenses. So, when choosing a third party “Canon macro lens,” be aware that this could be the case.

A mistake that some new digital SLR owners make is to assume that each lens is as good as every other lens with the same specifications. It just ain’t so. When shopping for macro, you will almost always want to get a prime, or single focus, lens. Canon macro lenses come in several focal lengths, and, of course, the price will give some indication of the lens quality.

One example of a poor macro lens experienced by yours truly is the Tamron 70-300mm Macro Zoom Lens. As a new DSLR owner with a limited budget, I purchased this one to use as a multi-task lens. It worked OK as a mid-range telephoto lens, but its macro photos really stunk up my hard drive. Even though it bears the title of macro, it does not handle that job well at all.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar - about 1" long - taken with Sigma 105 for Canon Macro Lens

The best Canon Macro Lenses will be prime lenses. This means they have just one focal length, no zoom. Manufacturers can produce better optics at a single focal length for up close photos. However, not every prime lens is a macro lens. Again, do your homework before taking the plunge to buy.

One very good thing about the lenses listed below is that most will be great portrait lenses as well as macro lenses. AND, they also make excellent mid-range telephoto lenses. In each of the suggested lenses, the image quality is excellent, as is the performance in macro, portrait, and telephoto, with one exception. The Canon 65mm macro lens is meant ONLY for macro.

Here are some Canon Macro Lenses that have passed the test of most photographers:

Click Here for Amazon Macro Lens Pricing OR Click Here for B & H Photo Macro Lens Pricing
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro
	This particular lens comes in two versions. One is an “L” lens with IS which is Canon’s designation for its best build and technology lenses. All Canon owners wish they could have only “L” lenses. But, the other 100mm Canon Macro is also excellent at 40% less. In fact, I have never seen any user satisfaction that is higher than these lenses. There is no rating on Amazon or B & H Photo that is less than 4, with most being 5 – their highest rating. See more about the Canon 100mm Macro Lens
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8
	Tamron is a respected name among Canon users. Their quality is fantastic, yet the prices for comparable equipment are usually 10-20% lower. When doing research for my first macro lens, this lens was tied with the Sigma 105. Either will be a great addition you your lens arsenal. See more about Tamron 90mm Macro for Canon
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG EX Macro for Canon
	This lens ranks right up there with the Tamron 90mm. Personal experience is that the images are first rate. For macro images, a tripod is recommended but not necessary. I have chased lots of butterflies with this lens that resulted in great pictures. See more about the Sigma 105mm Macro for Canon
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
	Another lens that gets super satisfaction from buyers at an average of 4.8 stars. Focus from as close as 8” away from your subject. You can have this one in your camera bag for $100 or so LESS than the 100mm macro. See More About the Canon 60mm Macro Lens
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L Macro
	You will need deeper pockets in order to afford this amazing Macro “L” lens. But the results will bring you many exciting photos.
Tamron AF 180mm f/3.5 Macro
	A highly rated alternative to the Canon 180mm L at about one third the cost. You will not suffer from buyer’s remorse when buying this macro lens.
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro
	No discussion about macro lenses is complete without mentioning this dedicated macro lens. It is manual focus – no auto focus available. But if you are a serious macro photographer, you will eventually have to add this one to your camera bag. You can fill a frame with a grain of rice, but a tripod is pretty much a given. Warning: this should not be your first macro lens purchase.
Click Here for Amazon Canon Macro Lens Pricing OR Click Here for B & H Photo Canon Macro Lens Pricing

A Short Endorsement For The Canon Macro Lens @ 100mm f/2.8

If you visit the Amazon or B & H web site, you will discover something rather unusual. There are no 1-star ratings… none! The Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens is truly a satisfying experience to shoot with. Here is a description from the manufacturer:

Bring small things into full-sized view with the Canon EF 100mm macro USM lens. Macro lenses can uncover detail that would be impossible to detect by the eye and give new perspective to extremely minute subjects such as insects or the petals of a small flower, and this lens is no exception. The lens offers such features as a three-group floating system for exceptional close-up performance; a secondary diaphragm that blocks stray light at f/2.8, which increases contrast when shooting wide open; a ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all focusing distances; a wide manual focusing ring with smooth action; and full-time manual focus even in AF mode. The first lens in its class to feature inner focusing, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

There are so many praises for the lens, but this one kind of says it all:
“love this lens! really great for macro shots. i used it for a wedding my results were amazing. it was worth the money!”

Tamron 28-75mm Lens for Canon Digital SLRs

For starters, a Tamron 28-75mm Lens Review is a natural because this little gem has been my main g0-to lens for years.

I had no clue that pro photographers felt the same about it as I do. But here is a little story to illustrate that they truly do.

Not Your Typical Fish Story

A short while ago, I was talking with a photographer friend of mine who was doing some work at my school. He knows that I am also a photographer. As he was moving around and shooting his images, he mentioned that he had just bought this “amazing little lens” for his Canon 5D. He was so impressed with his new lens that he was passionately recommending it to all his photography friends.

It turns out that he was talking about a Tamron 28-75 Canon lens. I was somewhat stunned that a professional photographer would even think to attach a third party lens to such an astonishing camera as the 5D.

But, I suppose I should not have been surprised. All things considered, I have been stating the virtues of this superb lens for years. But I had always thought of the Tamron 28-75 lens as a beginner Canon digital slr lens.

Clearly that is not the case. It is a fabulous choice for amateurs and pros alike.

Just consider it, you will be pleasingly surprised after shooting a few frames at how nicely the lens handles, the crisp, clear images that it yields, the quick focus, and the desirable bokeh. Oh, and the cost. You will salvage a bundle of cash if you buy this lens instead of an L lens of the same focal length and aperture.

Why Buy a Tamron 28-75mm Lens

Facing the option of getting a kit lens or purchase the “body only” when buying my first Canon Rebel 300D, the decision was to get the body only. At the time, the kit lens was not highly regarded at all by most photography websites.

The Tamron 28-75mm lens for Canon rose to the top of the heap as I did my research. This was based on several factors, not the least of which was my budget. The Tamron 28-75mm lens has continued to be my main walk around lens, outliving the Canon Rebel,l and it is even now on my new Canon 30D.

The Tamron 28-75 lens for Canon digital slr cameras is an excellent choice as a less expensive walk around lens. Be sure to compare it to some other all purpose Canon EOS lenses before you make your final purchase decision.

As the holder of a Canon digital Rebel or a Canon 50D (or one of its predecessors) you truly need to hear about the benefits of the 18-200mm Canon lens as an all-in-one lens choice.

The NAME is Canon

Its official name is Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS telephoto lens. How would you like to have to live up to a name like that? As we break down the name, we see EF-S. This implies the lens is made for Canon’s entry level cameras, such as the Canon Digital Rebel collection and its 50D digital SLR (along with the earlier xxD versions). That means that you aren’t able to use this general walk around lens on the more expert models such as the Canon 7D and the full frame models.

Benefits of an 18-200mm Canon Lens

Because of to the super focal range of these kinds of Super-Zoom lenses, you can keep them on your camera nearly continuously. This makes them excellent as travel or family vacation lenses..

When you have to stop and change lenses to match the scenario, it is likely that the photo op will evaporate before you can take advantage of it. With the 18-200mm Canon lens, you don’t have to fret about which lens is attached to your camera. It is great for getting those quick, fleeting shots.

In fact, having to change lenses is one of the blessings AND the curses of digital SLR owners. We actually buy the cameras so we can change the lens, then we are frustrated when we have to.

There are a number of other advantages worthy of mentioning.

To start with, as mentioned is the focal range, which is 11x. Looking at the monumental variation in range, the image quality is extraordinary.

Also, there is IS (image stabilization) which is supposed to give you an additional 4-stops of aperture without having to use a tripod. This is important because the widest aperture is only f/3.5, and it increases from there to a max of f/5.6. This is typical of the super-zoom lenses, whether Canon or some other manufacturer.

One more benefit is the bokeh that is produced when using a wide aperture. Photographers are always comparing bokeh. Briefly, it is when you try to get the main subject of your photo in sharp focus and have the other areas of the photo in a pleasingly blurred focus. The 18-200 does a pretty good job with this, but it is not considered the best.

The last benefit has to do with a comparison to the “kit lenses” that Canon promotes. Sometimes new buyers purchase the 18-55mm starter lens and an additional 55-250mm lens for the mid-range focal lengths. These two lenses are not bad as far as image quality goes, but they are not high quality construction.

The Canon 18-200mm lens is far better constructed than the kit lenses.

User Reviews

There are literally tons of positive user reviews about this lens. You can see the Amazon 18 200 Canon Lens Reviews by clicking on the link. Below is part of one of those user reviews.

A great walkabout lens at a very useful focal length range!
Having used the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized USM SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR’s for about two years now, this is the perfect focal length range for use as a day-to-day walkabout lens on my Canon 40D.

The Down Side

There are some issues to consider. You will find this true of nearly all super-zooms, whether they are Canon, Nikon, Sigma, or Tamron lenses. There is a compromise in image quality to be able to get the wide focal range. Most will have barrel distortion at the wide angles and chromatic aberration issues at both the shortest and the longest focal lengths.

This is not to say that the images are bad – the lens produces really good images. The issues are barely noticeable to the novice. However if you are shopping for the pixel-perfect image, you will either need to fork out more money or make use of a more specific focal length lens.

What about third party lenses.

Third party lens makers have produced some really good lenses that fit Canon digital SLR cameras. If the positive aspects and troublesome areas are the exact same, why not think about saving some money for one of those? It’s really worth thinking about.

As you look at the other Canon Zoom Lenses, you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it really does perform.

But do take a look at the other lenses in the same category. Of course, you have to make sure the Canon lens you buy is the right one to take care of your photo needs. You can do that at Canon EOS Lenses.

Two reasons to buy a Canon lens with Zoom capabilities:

1. Cover a multitude of focal lengths
2. Save time and money

These two reasons can be broken down into a bunch of bullet points, but they are the basic reasons to get a zoom lens instead of a single focal length lens/lenses.

When you use a zoom lens to cover a multitude of focal lengths, you are giving yourself a chance to be successful at capturing every shot that you see. You do not have to stop and change lenses as often, and possibly miss the shot.

Also, keeping one lens on your Canon EOS camera saves times, not to mention money because you don’t need to purchase lots of different lenses to cover the range of focal lengths you will be shooting.

That does not mean that prime lenses are not desirable. They are. Prime lenses usually give the very best quality possible. They just lack flexibility.

Taken with a Canon Rebel T3i and Sigma 18-250mm zoom lens @ 31mm

Selecting the right Canon Lens Zoom range is really a matter of the same two factors. How much do you want to cover with one lens, and how much are you willing or able to spend.

Some zoom lenses can be had for very little money, but the excellent ones can be quite expensive. This is why you want to do your research. For instance, if you opt to buy an inexpensive lens like the Canon 75-300, you will only have to spend about $150, but the Canon 70-300 costs about $500.

The difference between these lenses is in the construction materials and technology. The result is that you get a huge difference in performance and, ultimately in image quality.

The lenses recommended here are “top of the line” for the price. Note that as the technology improves, the resulting price usually increases accordingly. However, feel free to trust that you will be getting the best possible lens for the money if you use these links.

All Purpose Canon Zoom Lenses

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
This easy-to-use standard zoom lens can cover a large zoom area ranging from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm portrait-length telephoto, and its Image Stabilizer Technology steadies camera shake up to three stops. Constructed with one Super-UD glass element and three aspherical lenses, this lens minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion. The result is excellent picture quality, even at wide apertures. Cost – $1000
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
One of the most compact and lightest in the history of fast zoom lenses. Thanks to the revolutionary downsizing “XR” technology employed by Tamron in the development of high-power zoom lenses. An across the board aperture of f/2.8 makes the price of this lens very attractive. Cost – $499 For more about the Tamron 28-75mm for Canon
More all-in-one lenses for Canon

Wide Angle Zoom Lenses for Canon

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Excellent for Landscapes or Real Estate photography. Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 10 – 22mm; 1:3.5-4.5 Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups Diagonal Angle of View: 107° 30′ – 63° 30′ Closest Focusing Distance: 0.24m / 0.79 ft.
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Very similar to the Canon 10-22mm but your pocketbook will not suffer because you can get this lens for quite a bit less. Both these wide angle lenses can be used only on Canon APS-C cameras which include the Canon Rebel series and the 20D-50D digital SLR cameras.
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens
A Canon ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. This lens has long been considered the ultimate wide angle lens for professionals. It’s an “L” lens. Ideal for both film and digital SLR cameras, the lens offers three aspherical lens elements in addition to a Super UD (ultra-low dispersion) glass element, creating superior optics in all conditions. In addition, the lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28mm), and offers both Canon’s full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that produces fast and silent autofocus. Cost – $750

Mid-Range Zoom Lenses for Canon

There are also Tamron and Sigma lenses in this category that are very well regarded. If you don’t want the signature light gray Canon lens color, you can save money getting one of these… Take a look at the Canon 70-200mm line-up HERE.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom

This lens has become very popular among entry level Canon Digital SLR users, especially the Canon Rebel buyers.In fact, it is the #1 selling telephoto lens at Amazon.com. Canon has done a great job improving the image quality of this inexpensive lens. It can be a fine compliment to your general all purpose lens. This Canon 55-250mm telephoto zoom lens captures long distance, low-light shots far better than many comparable lenses, helping you photograph the far-off action of athletes or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background. The high-zoom-ratio lens is equivalent to a focal length of 88-400mm in the 35mm format (when used on Canon EOS cameras compatible with EF-S lenses such as the Rebel series). More significantly, the image stabilizer effect creates an equivalent shutter speed of roughly four stops faster than the same size lens without an image stabilizer.

Super Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Canon

Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM
Equipped with an Image Stabilizer, the Canon EF 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens makes it easy to capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background. This is arguably the lens of choice for nature photographers who want an L lens without having to mortgage the farm. See more about the Canon 100-400mm Lens…
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF
This “monster” lens, Sigma 50-500 (aka “Bigma” because of its size) This is a favorite of the nature photographers who do not have the funds for the multi-thousand dollar lenses used by National Geographic photographers. Results are quite satisfactory. Sigma now has released a new version of the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 with OS (image stabilization) for about $1500.
Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon
The Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6mm super telephoto zoom lens could be the best kept secret in this lens category. It offers the zoom range necessary for great sports action and nature shots at a bargain basement price of less than $1000. See our product page – Sigma 120-400mm Lens for Canon

Super Zoom Lenses

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
The 18-200mm Canon lens may just be the one lens that gives you the versatility you require to take care of almost any photo taking possibility. It can replace several lenses in your bag, especially the kit lenses you may be thinking about buying. The Canon 18-200mm lens is far better constructed than the kit lenses. See more about the 18-200mm Canon Lens
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF
A third party Super Zoom that many think is even better than its Canon c0uterpart. It offers an additional 50mm in focal length in comparison to the Canon model listed above without any sacrifice in image quality. And, of course, you will pay less. See more about the Sigma 18-250mm Lens.

About the Canon Zoom Lens Recommendations

There are many more lenses in the Canon Lens Zoom category. The lenses here are all excellent for their price and construction. You will not be disappointed with any of them. Check the ratings at Amazon Lenses

or B & H Photo, the two most reliable online camera stores with best consumer prices. ]]> http://www.canoneoslenses.org/canon-lenses-zoom/feed/ 58 http://www.canoneoslenses.org/tamron-canon-lens/ http://www.canoneoslenses.org/tamron-canon-lens/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:00:27 +0000 admin http://www.canoneoslenses.org/?p=132 There is some argument about whether third party lenses such as those manufactured by Tamron are worthy of your attention. But those arguments are quite one-sided. It’s kind of like trying to convince a life long Republican to vote Democratic. The mind is closed to all arguments.

But the truth is that third party designers are doing a commendable job of creating lenses for Canon EOS cameras. And some of the Tamron Canon lenses are right up at the top of the heap in terms of performance and image quality.

On a personal note, using a Canon EOS digital SLR camera, there are Tamron and Sigma lenses in my camera bag right next to the Canon lenses. But, as with any camera gear purchase, I always do the research before buying.

You will find that there are some Tamron Canon lens choices that are not that good. Lenses are made to match certain price points that will make them available to those who do not have deep pockets. When that happens, they are forced to use materials and technology that does not produce excellent lenses. Bottom line is to check the ratings before buying.

The highest rated lens that Tamron adds to the market is undoubtedly the Tamron 90mm macro lens. It has been holding its own against all competition for years, and continues to be well thought of by all those who have it in their arsenal.

Then there are some newer additions in the super zoom category that are very well received by photographers. These include some 10x zooms with excellent image quality.

Again, on a personal note, I have used a Tamron 28-75 all purpose lens since my first Canon Rebel. At a constant f/2.8 aperture, it has performed very well for me. No complaints or regrets. In fact, it is so good, I have not ever thought about replacing it with a more expensive lens.

Here are a few of the CanonEOSLenses.com Tamron Lens recommendations:

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens. Compare this $500 lens to the Canon 100mm at $900. This makes it a fantastic alternative for the Canon 100mm macro. Prime lenses (single focal length) have the very best optical results, without exception. Tamron has had a winner with this lens from its inception. Also doubles as a Portrait Lens.

See more about the Tamron 90mm Macro for Canon.

Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 SP XR Di II VC priced at about $500. This one is light weight and fast. It has the added benefit of VC (vibration compensation). Highly rated “general purpose” lens for APS-C sensor cameras. Great walk around lens at a constant f2.8 aperture. It is much cheaper than the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, Highly recommended!!

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) – price about $500. A well regarded lens at 1/3 the cost of the Canon 24-70/2.8L. As already mentioned, this one is a personal favorite. Image quality is exceptional, with quick focus that never misses. There are professionals who use this lens as a portrait lens when they need to be more mobile, like when doing senior yearbook photos with a casual pose. Great lens!

I love this lens. It is my personal favorite and has been since my first Canon DSLR purchase. See a review of the Tamron 28-75mm Lens for Canon.

Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) – Great price is one of the super benefits of this super zoom at less than $400. Anytime you get this much diversity in any lens, it is a feat of engineering that is difficult to attain. There are some issues with image distortion at the wide end especially. But Tamron has done an admirable job of producing a lens that will satisfy all but the “camera snobs” with this gem of a lens. Two things to note. First, is the VC which stands for “vibration compensation”. This is the Tamron jargon for Image Stabilization which was added so that you can take hand held shots in lower light. Second is the obvious one, 15x zoom. You can keep this lens on your Canon EOS digital SLR almost 24/7 if you want. You won’t miss a shot because you needed to change the lens.

Canon Portrait Lenses – Every Canon Photographer Needs One

Good News! If you own one or two lenses for your Canon EOS camera, you probably have one of the capable Canon portrait lenses. Just about any lens can be a portrait lens. However, there are some that do a better job than others.

The photo on the left was taken with THE most popular Canon portrait lens on market… The Canon 50mm f/1.8.

Get a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Lens…
Click Here

What To Look For In A Canon Portrait Lens

When you take a portrait, you usually have a certain look in mind. You want the eyes to be sharp and clear, and you want the background to be just that, a background. The details in the background should be muted and blurry. You can use a backdrop for this, but you still want to use the right setup to get a good portrait.

These are the reasons that many photographers choose a lens that has a focal length between about 80mm and 150mm. The other critical ingredient is a wide aperture, such as f/2.8, or even wider. The wider the aperture, the faster the shutter speed. When you use a fast, wide lens, you get a very shallow depth of field which, in turn, gives you the muted background so desirable in portraits.

The Magic Of Bokeh

On camera websites, you will always see comments about how good (or bad) the Bokeh of a lens is. More expensive lenses tend to have the better Bokeh. You can tell if the Bokeh is not so good if you see spotty or sharp transitions of color in the background versus smooth blurred backgrounds.

This candid portrait was taken with a Canon Rebel T3i and a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens which works as a Canon Portrait lens in a pinch.

Distance From Subject

The normal setup for portraits is with the camera about eight to fifteen feet from the subject. A 100mm lens will get a nice head and shoulder shot at that distance. You can move closer or further away as the situation dictates, but using too short of a focal length is going to give less than perfect results (see below about perspective). Using a longer lens, such as 150mm is better than a shorter lens. Just move a bit further from the subject.

Pro’s Take on Distance – If you observe a professional portrait photographer, they will probably be farther away than the 8-10 feet mentioned above. In fact, they may even have some monster 300mm lens on their camera. This is a good prescription for narrow depth of field and good Bokeh. But in the absence of several thousand bucks for that kind of lens, you can use the guidelines here. Experiment to get your portraits the way you (and your model) like them.

One more hint about getting a nice blurred background. Move your subject further from the background. The more distance between the background and the subject, the better the Bokeh. This will help tremendously if you don’t have a lens with a particularly wide aperture (like f/5.6).

The good news is that most lenses will give decent portrait images. You may have to play with camera settings or distance from the subject to get the best results, but it is possible.

Keep in mind that your Canon Digital SLR camera also affects the focal length of the lens. Most of us amateurs are using cameras with APS-C sensors. What this means is that the designated focal length of the lens is not the actual resulting focal length. You will have a multiplication factor of 1.6 times the lens length. So, if you are using a 50mm lens, the actual focal length is 80mm when you take the multiplication factor into consideration.

A Word About Perspective.

Perspective has nothing to do with lens selection. Well, yes it does, but changing your camera position in relation to your subject affects the portrait drastically. Moving closer or farther from the subject changes the perspective. So, if you want to take a tighter shot, like just a head shot, you can either move closer to the subject or change the focal length of your lens and stay in the same position. Changing your distance from the subject may change the perspective to something rather undesirable. For instance, a 50mm lens may be fine for taking a head and shoulders shot, but the features of the head could change when you move in too close (like the ears will be out of proportion). So the best way to handle that is to have a longer focal length, i.e. change to a 100mm lens or even 135mm.

OK, Now To The Good Stuff – The Canon Portrait Lenses

(Click any lens title to view the product page)
This first group is here for the budget conscious photographers.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

The Canon 50mm lens is known for excellent image quality. This model will surprise you, even though it will separate you from only about $100 of your cash. It is all plastic construction, making it feel a bit “toyish” but the results speak for themselves. See more about the Canon 50mm f/1.8

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM

Results in terms of image quality are similar to the Canon 50mm f/1.8, however, the build quality is so much better. Also, the added f-stop makes a difference in bokeh, which is really important in portrait lenses. You will definitely feel the difference when you first pick it up. See more about the Canon 50mm f/1.4

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Macro lenses are a good choice for doing portrait work, and the Canon 100mm macro has been a workhorse for many photographers. The macro images are excellent, too, so your lens will give you plenty of use. More about the Canon 100mm Macro

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

If you are looking for one lens to cover a multitude of image jobs, this one will fit the bill. An L lens for less than $700! More about Canon 70-200mm f/4L

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens for Canon

Tamron makes a variety of really great lenses that are comparable to Canon products at a fraction of the cost. This one producses tact sharp results, and the wide aperture makes it an excellent candidate for portraits. More about Tamron 28-75 for Canon

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens

This Sigma Macro lens will give the same kind of results as the Canon 100mm for less money. The auto-focus is a bit slower, but you will not be disappointed with the image quality. More about Sigma 105mm for Canon

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

If a prime lens is what you want (many pros use only prime for portraits), this one is well worth your consideration. Super wide aperture and fast focus so you can keep your camera off the tripod giving you more flexibility. Comment from FredMiranda.com – “Best bang for buck. With this performance, how can you justify 85mm L which is roughly 20 times the cost of this, just for F1.2 and red ring?” More about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens

More Canon Portrait Lenses

Following are the Canon Portrait Lens recommendations for those who are fortunate enough to have deep pockets (or the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of image quality).

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

If you are looking for the best “dedicated” portrait lens, this is the one for you. Nice big aperture in a Canon L lens. The results are indisputably awesome. More about the Canon 135mm f/2

Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM

Another excellent portrait lens (L of course). Notice the f/1.2 aperture. When you put this lens on your Canon DLSR, you will feel like a pro, and the images will justify the cost.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM

Also recommended as an “all purpose” lens, the Canon 24-105 f/4 L will cover your portrait needs with no regrets from you or your subjects.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Every photographer should have a Canon 70-200mm lens in their bag. This one is the top of the line. Pros use this lens quite often as their portrait “lens of choice.” More about Canon 70-200mm Lenses

Canon Portrait Lenses and Pet Photography

30D set on continuous shooting
with a Canon Portrait Lens.

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Aside from kids, one of the most popular subjects for photography enthusiasts is their pet. A DSLR camera coupled with a great portrait lens is an awesome tool for this type of photograph.

Plan Your Pet Shoot

Taking pictures of a pet can be challenging, so having a plan is a good way to start. This is especially true if you are shooting a friend’s animal rather than your own. Talk over your plan with the owner. He or she may want to capture a particular look that is a favorite with them.

Use props to help you keep the attention of the animal. You can also use props as part of the photo. Hats and glasses can help you create award winning shots.

Use Canon Portrait Lenses To Gain A Different Perspective

Everyone takes the average shots, standing above and shooting in a downward direction. Get down on the same level to increase the interest. Even better, get to a level below the animal. These two perspectives create interest and intimacy.

You can also set your camera on the continuous shooting mode. Pets are not at all predictable, so taking lots of shots is one way to get some good ones as the pet moves. They just don’t react right with the “look at the camera and give me a nice smile” routine you use with most people. Your DSLR camera with a Canon Portrait Lens attached will give you some very memorable shots of your beloved pets.

Four Photography Tips To Help Take Better Portraits In Natural Settings

Subject was moved away from distracting
objects in the house.
Image was cropped for effect.

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If you carry a digital SLR camera, you will naturally be expected to take lots of pictures during a weekend vacation or a family reunion. But the good part is that you will want to because you love photography. Many of the photos you take will be group shots or portraits. This means you will want to pack smart; make sure your portrait lens is in the bag. If your camera happens to be a Canon, portrait lens selection becomes much easier simply because of the wide variety of lenses available. However, even with the most obscure digital SLR, taking portrait photos can be very successful if you follow a few suggested guidelines.

Here are a few simple tips, perhaps they are just reminders, to be aware of when you’re shooting those portraits that will become lasting memories.

1. Look for a pleasing background. Setting up the shot should not be done in haste. Look for pleasing patterns and colors that can serve as a portrait background. You can use something as simple as a stucco wall, of barn wall with aged planks, a beautiful field of wildflowers, or possibly a sandy beach with ocean waves gently rolling in. What you want to avoid are harsh colors, especially a mixture of vibrant colors that will draw the viewer’s attention away from the main subject of the portrait. Also avoid things like large sculptures and other imposing structures that will grab the viewer’s eye.
2. Pay attention to distractions. This tip goes kind of hand-in-hand with the background. Nothing is more disappointing than taking a photo only to find out that some random stranger got caught in the picture as he wandered through the background. Other things can be major distractions as well. For instance, be careful not to have objects that appear to be growing out of your subject. For example, don’t position your model or subject in front of a light pole or mailbox. More than one photograph has been ruined by unnoticed naturally appearing objects. This can be avoided by checking the entire composition for distractions. We normally just check to see if the subject’s face is in focus and discover the distractions too late.
3. Depth of field will set you apart from other photographers. Depth of field is how much of the photograph is in focus. When shooting portraits, a shallow depth of field is very desirable. This can be controlled in a couple of ways. The first way is to choose an extremely wide aperture on your portrait lens. This means an aperture of F/4.0 or larger. The beautiful thing that happens when you choose the right depth of field is that the subject becomes the main focus of your photograph while the background is muted by being out of focus. Another way to control depth of field is to move your subject farther away from the background. When you focus on the face, objects that are in the distance will be blurry, thus making your subject the center of focus.
4. Light Is Very Important. Proper light in the photograph can make it or break it. The best natural light is early in the morning, before 10 AM, or late in the afternoon. During these times you will get your most desirable portraits. That being said however, photo opportunities do not always happen at the optimal time. If you do have to take your pictures in the middle of the day, you will have to be aware of the harsh light and shadows of the midday sun. There are ways to avoid the harsh light. Most professional photographers carry light filtering disks for these types of occasions, but if you are on vacation, chances are slim that you will have one of these with you. You can move your subject to an area that has more favorable lighting, such as in the shade of large tree or under a park pavilion.

Selecting an appealing background, removing distracting objects, controlling the depth of field with good Canon portrait lenses, and being aware of lighting conditions when shooting portraits will add appeal to your photographs, as well as enhancing the best features of your subjects.

Photography Lesson for Canon Portrait Lenses

Using the right portrait lens is not the only thing that is required when taking excellent photos. Watch this little tutorial about camera settings and controlling the light when shooting natural light portraits…

Wedding Photographer’s Take on Canon Portrait Lenses

How You Can Improve Your Portrait Photography

By Chi Pritchard

We all love to sit back and relive a moment in our lives. These are moments in our past when we were innocent and carefree. Without the worries of life that so many of us take for granted these days. These moments for most of us are captured through pictures. From the moment we are born most of us have a camera pointed directly at us. This is the way we preserve our visual memory. There are two methods in which we preserve these visual memories. Candid shots are those where the subjects are unaware, unplanned, and without posing. Portraits are shots where the subjects are posed and aware that a picture is being taken. With each style there are ways to capture the perfect shot if you follow a few simple rules. First on the list should be to pick the location you want to use for you portrait session.

You’ll find that studios aren’t the greatest locations for you portrait photography. Sure it’s easier in a studio to capture a pretty good posed picture. However, to get a great shot you need to expand beyond the studio. The best way to do this is by going to a park or somewhere as simple as in your own backyard. You can even follow your subject on their way to work or while the stroll down the street.

Showing the subject in their natural surroundings allows them to be more relaxed. If they feel a bit awkward then it will reflect in your shots. This will also allow you to get a natural shot instead of your subject giving a staged appearance. Your going to get a better picture a child playing at a playground. Rather than if you try and take them to a studio and ask them to sit still for a hour. It just doesn’t work and again this will reflect in your shots. The next step would be getting the proper lighting.

There are many different ways you can use light in portraits. Most studios use off camera lighting due to the limited natural lighting at their disposal. You can however use a window as a great way to get soft and diffused lighting. Make sure you place your subject at an angle and not looking forward straight out the window. This is probably the best way to get some natural lighting in your studio setting.

Natural lighting is best achieved outdoors. An overcast day offers the best lighting. Sunny days are great for a picnic, but they can cause your pictures to be over exposed. If you have a sunny day and you aren’t able to shade the subject under a tree or building. Then make sure you don’t position them facing the sun. Most photographers think this sun will reduce shadows. Actually, by pointing them directly at the sun it creates more shadows. These can be touched up in post processing, but if you have 700 shots to process. It can be extremely time consuming to fix an issue you shouldn’t have too if it was done correctly during the shoot. Finally, there are a few other tips that you can use to improve your portrait photography.

Go back and look at your shots that don’t turn out that good. Study the shot and figure out why the shot isn’t that good. Determine if it’s because of lighting or the settings on your camera. Always try and improve and learn from your mistakes.

Take the time to learn a little about your subject. You can get a pretty good idea of what they will and what they won’t like. You don’t have to get to know their life story. It also helps to make your subject comfortable as well.

Whether your shooting a candid or posed shot. Shooting portrait photography is a skill that you should always strive to improve on. Capturing a special event or moment in a person’s life and being able to tell their story through your pictures. In the end that’s what portrait photography’s ultimate goal is.

Chi Photography is one of the top Charleston Wedding Photographer located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston Photographer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Pritchard

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-You-Can-Improve-Your-Portrait-Photography&id=6618766

Canon 70-300mm

Looking for a “less expensive” zoom lens? Canon has a couple that you may have considered.

Actually, the most popular Canon mid-range zoom lens at Amazon is the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens. It sells for about $230, depending on the day you order.

But, there is a kind of “sleeper” lens that many photographers have used with greater success. It is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. This one goes for about double the price at $550.

Why pay twice as much? Performance is the key. Don’t always shop price first when looking for a Canon Zoom Lens. You may have to save up for a little longer, but the wait will be worth it.

Think about it. The lens is as important as the camera. You thought long and hard before you put down the cash for your digital SLR camera, right? What was the deciding factor? I’m guessing it was because you wanted better quality.

Then you have to decide on a lens… Why settle for less here? You hear what I’m saying?

Here are a couple of comments about the Canon 70-300mm lens in question (don’t go for the DO model – it has not gotten the same response as this one).

Comment 1: “I dumped the 55-250 IS and bought this (70-300) and now I wondering why I bought the 55-250 IS in first place.”

Comment 2: “Having recently used a Canon 55-250mm this 70-300mm restores my faith in Canon… Many have compared it to 70-200mm L glass – I have never used an L lens but I could easily believe this one matches pretty closely.”

Comment 3 (This is my favorite story of all): “This lens actually surprised me. I bought it used at a garage sale. Quite honestly, I bought it thinking I would give it to our son, who had expressed interest in photography and had bought an older Canon DSLR. But after trying it out, I decided to keep it for myself. It was too good to give away.”

The mid-range focal length zoom is obviously dominated by Canon’s flagship lenses, the 70-200 lenses, of which there are now 5. These range in price from about $600 for the 70-200 f/4 L to over $2500 for the top of the line model, 70-200 f/2.8 IS II.

When you think that you can get a longer length with very good quality, you may want to consider the 70-300mm lens. After all, it has IS (image stabilization) and USM (ultrasonic motor for fast focus).

The only drawbacks are that the lens barrel extends quite far, unlike the 70-200mm models which are fixed length, and it has a variable aperture, topping out at f/5.6.

Now, when compared to the 55-250mm lens, it out performs in every area except price. But, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”

Personally, the biggest mistake was to buy a 70-300mm lens for $160. It was a third party lens, and it was not worth the investment. It ended up in the camera bag with very little use.

Buy what you can afford, but if what you can afford is junk, leave it on the shelf.

Here is a quick look at the Pluses and Minuses for the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Pluses:

• Great image quality at all focal lengths
  
• USM for fast auto focus
  
• IS allows you to leave the tripod at home, if desired
  
• Zoom range up to 300mm makes it great for a majority of Nature photography
  
• Light Weight
  

Minuses:

• You can’t use the Manual Focus ring while in Auto Focus mode
• Zoom does not hold steady at a desired focal length when the camera is tilted up or down – it tends to “slide” due to gravity
  
• Lens barrel extends (unlike the 70-200 L series) rather than internal zoom
  
• Focus ring turns during autofocus
• No focus distance scale

Get a great deal on a Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 from Amazon or B & H Photo.

Below are a couple of sample images from a totally new user of the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens…. very impressive. (originals can be seen at http://lavisions.blogspot.com/2010/03/canon-ef-70-300-f4-56-is-usm-lens.html

Below is a photo taken from quite a distance away, and below that is a crop of the bird in the first photo. Again, quite impressive considering he was not using Moose Peterson type equipment (you know, Moose would not consider shooting a bird photo with a lens that costs less than $5000).

That is a common dilemma for many first digital slr owners.

In fact, after your decision to get a Canon EOS camera, it SHOULD be your next decision. You really should know which lens you want before you even buy your camera.

Will you just settle for the kit lens? Or will you buy a different lens to get more bang for your buck?

The second scenario is that you already bought the camera with the kit lens, but you want to get a more capable all-purpose lens.

Just so we understand terms, a kit lens is the one that comes with the camera unless you opt for a “body only” when you buy. The kit lens may vary depending on the Canon Digital SLR you are looking at. For the lower level cameras, such as the Rebels, the kit lens will be an 18-55mm zoom lens.

The first assumption here is that you want to get a lens that will service a wide variety of situations with excellent results. This would eliminate any prime lenses from this discussion. (Prime is a single focal length lens, like 50mm or 300mm -  no zoom at all.

The second assumption is that you are looking for a really excellent lens, but you are not going to be submitting your photos to National Geographic Magazine, meaning you want good pictures, but this lens will serve as a general all-purpose, “let’s just get the shot” kind of lens. It would be used for things like street photography, vacations, birthday parties, and the like.

Lens Quality

Two parts of the photography puzzle work together to give you a great photograph. Of course the camera has to be part of that puzzle, but the lens is equally important. If you have a great camera and a piece of junk lens, the results will more reflect the lens quality and you will wonder why you are getting these lousy pictures. On the other hand, a high class lens attached to a poor camera will also give disappointing results.

The cost of a lens is usually a reflection of the quality. There are a few exceptions like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 which is one of the best quality lenses, yet is costs less than $100. That is a very unusual case. Most of the time good lenses are not cheap.

That being said, don’t expect to pay $149 get all your bases covered. Something about that lens is causing the low price, whether it is the glass quality or lack of focus or sharpness.

There are plenty of lenses that cost more than the camera. Just be forewarned.

Now that we understand where we are going with this page, let’s get there. The following lenses will serve you very well as a general walk around lens.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (similar to kit lens)
	Canon has always supplied a Kit lens, and it has gotten a bad rap in the past. However, there have been improvements and we can now recommend this lens as a starter lens for your Canon Digital SLR setup. The good: Price IS (image stabilization) has been added so hand held shots are sharper The Not-So-Good Aperture is not constant throughout the zoom range. This means that if you want to take a photo at one of the longer focal lengths in low light, you will probably need a tripod. Plastic construction means it is less durable
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
	This lens is really ideal for someone who will be doing mostly available-light photography. It offers a wide aperture at 2.8 throughout the zoom range, PLUS it has IS (image stabilization). That’s why a hand held camera with this lens attached in low light settings can still result in a really sharp picture. The EF-S signifies that it can only be used with cameras that do not have full frame sensors.  If your interest is mostly in landscapes and such, and you don’t mind carrying a tripod, you can save a good bit of money by going with one of the lower cost alternatives. The good: Great for low light, hand held shooting IS (image stabilization) USM – UltraSonic Motor for fast focus The Not-So-Good Price Only 55mm on the long end
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
	This Canon L lens has long been considered one of the “must have” lenses. Not so much any longer because of the wide variety of lens glass now available. But it is still an excellent lens if you are interested in landscape or cityscape type photography. It has a somewhat limited zoom range. The good: Price – for “L” glass it is not expensive Excellent image quality across the zoom range Great for landscape type photography The Not-So-Good Limited zoom range
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
	Another “L” lens, this one is really well regarded. From literally hundreds of users on different forums, this lens has always been rated at 8 or higher. That does not happen often. Down side, of course, is the cost. But if you want the best, this is it. The good: It’s an L lens Superior quality and color IS (image stabilization) USM (UltraSonic Motor) The Not-So-Good Price
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
	This non-Canon lens offers a very distinct advantage in wide aperture and lower price. It has been in production for quite awhile and has stood the test of time. Good for low light photography, it gives nice sharp images. It is similar to the Canon EF-S in that it can not be used on full frame camera bodies. The good: Price 2.8 aperture is constant throughout the zoom range Fast focus in spite of no HSM The Not-So-Good Not a true wide angle lens at 28mm on a crop body such as a Canon Rebel or 50D
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF
	This is a Super-Zoom lens. It is offered by all the manufacturers in several zoom ranges. This particular one has gotten better reviews than the others. The major advantage of a super-zoom is that it can take the place of two zoom lenses. It is great if you have only a limited budget or you want to keep just one lens on your camera all the time (not why you bought the digital SLR, though). Some feature it as a Vacation lens. The good: Price – at about $500 you are getting “two for the price of one” Get the shot without having to switch lenses OS ( same as image stabilization) The Not-So-Good Aperture is not constant throughout the zoom range.
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF)
	Another Canon competitor, this Tamron 17-50mm lens has surprised reviewers with its excellent performance. Save money and get the same results as with the Canon equivalent. Another constant aperture lens at f/2.8. Compared to the Tamron 28-75 above, it covers a wider focal range at 17mm. The good: Price Constant 2.8 Aperture Fast focus in spite of the lack of focus motor The Not-So-Good A little more length would have been good, but adding a 70-200 second lens is almost a given anyway.

Sigma 105mm macro lens

A macro lens is one which will focus on a subject close enough to render it “life-size” on the image plane in your camera.

Sigma Corp is one of the photography manufacturers that makes Canon EOS macro lenses. In fact, many of the Sigma lenses are considered comparable to those produced by Canon themselves.

Sigma lenses for Canon are made with quality in mind. After all, they are competing in a market where buyers are very discerning. While some photographers are motivated totally by price, that is not the case with most Canon digital SLR owners.

A Sigma Macro Lens for Canon EOS digital cameras must be high quality, both in lens build and image quality. There are a couple of Sigma Macro lenses that match these criteria. And, yes, when you find the right match of a Sigma Macro lens for your Canon EOS digital camera, you will indeed save a few pesos.

So, here is the Sigma Macro for Canon EOS lineup:

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG

The Sigma 105mm is listed first because it is the most widely used Sigma Macro lens. The f/2.8 aperture is a huge plus. It allows maximum light and creates a beautiful amount of bokeh (softened background).

This Sigma Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG is a large aperture medium macro lens ideal shooting the smaller things in our world that exist virtually unseen. It also has a “flat” field” front lens element so that it can shoot images of flat objects such as artwork or postage stamps and be tack sharp all the way across the image. This Sigma Macro 105mm F2.8 is ideally suited for taking pictures insects or other small creatures, but it is also the perfect focal length for facial portraits rendering the best perspective of the human face.

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM

Sigma 150mm Macro

This lens is again an f/2.8 aperture lens. One advantage of the Sigma 150 is the HSM (hypersonic motor) which makes it much easier to focus on moving objects because of the faster focus.

This Sigma Macro 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM is a large aperture, medium macro lens. It is ideal for shooting the smaller things in our world that exist virtually unseen. It also has a “flat” field” front lens element so that it can shoot images of flat objects such as artwork or postage stamps and be tack sharp all the way across the image. With HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) a quiet & high-speed auto focus is ensured.

That question has been bantered about among photographers and online photo forums since the second 70-200 lens was produced.

Let’s get one thing out of the way. Every photographer that uses Canon photo equipment needs a 70-200 Canon lens. This should be the second lens you purchase, after you get your basic walk-around lens. It fits into the category of “medium telephoto,” and it covers a very valuable focal length range.

It can be used for a wide range of photography types, from close-up to street photography to nature photography, and even portraits.

Actually portraits are one of the most popular uses. The optimum focal length for portraits is 100mm, which is right in the “sweet spot” for this zoom lens.

Now, back to the question, which one is best…

Each 70-200 Canon lens has its own set of benefits, but the major benefit of every one is superb image quality. This lens from Canon is their “flagship” lens. They are proud of them, and they should be. They are each fantastic.

Notice that each one has the coveted “L” in its title. L is attached to only the best build quality lenses made by Canon.

There is also HSM. This stands for HyperSonic Motor. It helps the lens for focus at super-fast speeds. Another plus of these fantastic pieces of photographic equipment.

There are four lenses to choose from made by Canon (there are also third party manufacturers):

Model	Weight		Dimensions w/o Hood		Filter
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM	24.9 oz	(705g)	3.0 x 6.8″	(76 x 172mm)	67mm
Benefits: Least expensive of the 70-200 Canon Lenses Lightest lens in this line up
Model	Weight		Dimensions w/o Hood		Filter
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM	26.8 oz	(760g)	3.0 x 6.8″	(76 x 172mm)	67mm
Benefits: IS (Image Stabilization at, yet still less expensive The same size as the non-IS version
Model	Weight		Dimensions w/o Hood		Filter
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM	42.2 oz	(1310g)	3.3 x 7.6″	(85 x 194mm)	77mm
Benefits: 2.8 aperture thoughout the zoom range allows for much faster shutter speeds and hand-held photos in lower light than the f/4.0 version Lack of IS keeps the price at a lower level
Model	Weight		Dimensions w/o Hood		Filter
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM	51.9 oz	(1470g)	3.4 x 7.7″	(86 x 197mm)	77mm
Benefits: f/2.8 is very desirable IS adds several stops to hand-held images Combination of f/2.8 and IS allows for much more creative low-light images, such as night concerts and indoor events
Model	Weight		Dimensions w/o Hood		Filter
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM	42.2 oz	(1310g)	3.3 x 7.6″	(85 x 194mm)	77mm
Canon’s newest addition to the 70-200 Line Up. Improving upon one of the most celebrated lenses in the Canon EF line is no easy feat, but Canon has done just that. The all-new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality and reduced chromatic aberration. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m/3.9 ft. at all zoom settings, which is useful for photographers in smaller spaces trying to get closer to a subject.